A NEW dementia centre in Salisbury that will offer a “lifeline for families” has moved a step closer thanks to the support of the community helping to raise more than £42,000.

Alzheimer’s Support is fundraising to open the new centre in Scots Lane.

The money raised so far is nearly a third of the amount needed to transform and equip the building. The charity is looking to raise £140,000 for the project.

Community fundraiser Rachel Fear said: “This will be a lifeline for families affected by this cruel disease and make such a difference to quality of life, allowing people to stay living at home for longer. We need more people to support us and make a difference. There are so many ways to help us, from making a donation to taking part in one of our fundraising events and all the money can be ringfenced to the new centre.”

The new centre will contain a purposed designed day club where people can find friendship, stimulation and a great day out.

It will also be  a one-stop dementia hub where families can get advice as well as practical support.

Two experienced dementia advisers will be on hand and the teams that run the charity’s home support and network of dementia activity groups will also be based there.

Speaking of the support from the community, Rachel added: “We have had wonderful support from the Salisbury businesses and individuals who have held events for us or made donations and it’s wonderful to see the total growing.

“There are more than 1,600 people living with dementia in Salisbury but no specialist day care. The only day club here in Salisbury closed more than two years ago leaving this vulnerable group and their families without essential support and much needed respite.”

Salisbury and South West Wilts area boards have both awarded grants towards the costs of renovating the building. 

Chair of Salisbury Area Board Cllr Brian Dalton said: “This will be a great asset to the city and make an enormous difference to people affected with dementia in Salisbury. We were very pleased to be able to support it.”

Alzheimer’s Support, a Wiltshire-only charity, already runs award-winning day clubs in Warminster, Devizes and Trowbridge.

For more information about the appeal and how to get involved with fundraising visit the charity's website

 

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